Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, introducing its most advanced AI-powered smartphone lineup yet. Designed to simplify everyday tasks, the new range — consisting of the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra — combines intelligent software, powerful hardware and enhanced privacy protection.
The launch reinforces Samsung’s continued leadership in mobile AI innovation, offering users faster workflows, smarter automation and creative tools built directly into the device. The new flagship devices are expected to compete strongly in the premium smartphone market throughout 2026.
Next-Generation Galaxy AI Makes Everyday Tasks Easier
The Galaxy S26 series introduces Samsung’s third-generation AI experience, designed to reduce the number of steps needed to complete everyday tasks — from organising schedules to creating and editing content.
According to Samsung UK & Ireland’s Vice President of Product and Marketing, the new devices focus on reducing cognitive load by allowing AI and hardware to work together in the background.
The company’s vision is simple: more time for users, less time managing technology.
Powerful Performance Built for Demanding Users
The Galaxy S26 series is built on Samsung’s most powerful hardware platform yet, featuring a customised chipset optimised for AI performance and power efficiency.
Key Performance Improvements (Galaxy S26 Ultra)
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Up to 19% faster CPU performance
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39% NPU performance boost for AI processing
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24% GPU performance improvement for gaming and graphics
These upgrades ensure smoother multitasking, high-quality gaming experiences and faster AI processing for features running continuously in the background.
To maintain performance under heavy usage, Samsung has redesigned thermal management with an improved vapour chamber and thermal interface materials that spread heat more efficiently.
The device also supports Super-Fast Charging 3.0, allowing users to reach 75% battery in just 30 minutes.
Industry-Leading Camera System for Creators
The Galaxy S26 series continues Samsung’s focus on mobile creativity with a powerful camera system designed for photography and content creation.
Photography & Video Features
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Wider apertures for improved low-light photography
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Enhanced Nightography video recording
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Upgraded Super Steady stabilisation with horizontal lock
The Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces APV video codec support, enabling professional-grade video production with high-quality compression and editing efficiency.
AI-powered image processing improves skin tones, lighting balance and detail preservation across both front and rear cameras.
Creative Tools Powered by Galaxy AI
Samsung has embedded AI directly into its editing workflows to make creativity accessible to everyone — not just professional creators.
Users can:
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Edit photos using natural language commands
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Change scenes from day to night using AI prompts
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Restore missing image details automatically
The Creative Studio tool allows users to create:
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Custom wallpapers
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Stickers
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Invitations
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Social media content
These features are designed to support users from concept to final design without switching between multiple apps.
Proactive AI That Works in the Background
Samsung is pushing toward more agentic AI experiences with proactive features that anticipate user needs.
Smart Assistance Features
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Now Nudge — Suggests relevant actions based on context
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Now Brief — Provides daily reminders and updates
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Circle to Search with Google — Multi-object image recognition search
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Upgraded Bixby voice assistant with natural language control
The device also supports third-party AI agents including Gemini and Perplexity, allowing users to complete complex tasks with simple voice commands.
Privacy at the Pixel Level: A New Era of Mobile Security
One of the most notable innovations is the industry’s first built-in Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The display controls how light is distributed across pixels, allowing users to view content clearly while limiting visibility from side angles. This is particularly useful in public spaces such as public transport or cafés.
Users can customise privacy settings depending on use case scenarios, including:
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PIN entry protection
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App-specific privacy activation
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Partial notification privacy
Samsung continues to strengthen security through:
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AI-powered call screening
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Real-time privacy alerts for sensitive data access
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Private Album storage features
The devices also integrate post-quantum cryptography technology to future-proof security against emerging cyber threats.
Samsung Knox Security Ecosystem
Samsung’s Knox security platform protects devices from the chipset level upward.
Protection layers include:
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Encrypted app data storage
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Hardware-based secure vault storage
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Device ecosystem security monitoring
Users also receive seven years of security updates, ensuring long-term device protection.
Galaxy Ecosystem Expansion With Buds4
Samsung is also launching the Galaxy Buds4 series as a companion accessory to enhance the overall experience.
Users can:
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Control devices using voice commands
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Manage calls using head gestures (Buds4 Pro)
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Maintain seamless connectivity across devices
Customers who pre-order the Galaxy S26 series can receive 10% off Galaxy Buds4 purchases via Samsung retail channels.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy S26 series will be available for pre-order from 25 February, with general availability starting 11 March.
UK Pricing
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Galaxy S26 — From £879 (256GB)
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Galaxy S26+ — From £1,099 (256GB)
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Galaxy S26 Ultra — From £1,279 (256GB)
Colour options include:
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Cobalt Violet
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White
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Black
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Sky Blue
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Samsung.com exclusives: Pink Gold and Silver Shadow
Exclusive Pre-Order Offers
Customers ordering through Samsung channels can benefit from multiple promotions:
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£170 off 1TB storage upgrades (Ultra model)
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Double storage upgrade to 512GB for the price of 256GB
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Trade-in discounts up to £607 depending on model
Shop offers directly on Samsung UK.
New Galaxy Club Upgrade Programme
Samsung also launched the New Galaxy Club, designed to encourage device upgrades with flexible ownership options.
Benefits include:
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50% guaranteed device value return when upgrading between months 12–15
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Samsung Care+ accidental damage protection
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24-month 0% interest payment options via Klarna
Enhanced Samsung Care+ Protection
Samsung Care+ is available across 17 European markets and offers:
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Accidental damage protection
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Extended warranty support
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Theft and loss coverage
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Easy walk-in repair services
The Galaxy S26 series represents Samsung’s continued push toward AI-driven mobile experiences, blending performance, creativity and privacy into a single ecosystem.
As smartphones become more intelligent, Samsung is positioning Galaxy devices as personal AI companions designed to simplify daily life.
